Morinda citrifolia, also known as noni, Indian mulberry, or cheese fruit, is a tropical shrub or small tree that grows up to 3-10 metres tall. It is easily recognised by its glossy, dark green leaves and large, unusual fruit.

Large, dark green, and glossy, with prominent veins, often reaching up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. Flowers: Small, white, and tubular, growing in clusters from the leaf axils. Fruit: Unique in appearance, noni fruit is oval-shaped, about the size of a small potato, with a bumpy, almost translucent surface. When ripe, it turns from green to a pale, whitish-yellow, or sometimes light yellow.

The taste and smell of noni fruit are notoriously strong and distinct. When ripe, the fruit has a pungent, almost cheese-like smell, often likened to blue cheese or very ripe brie. The taste is slightly sour, bitter, and tangy with an earthy aftertaste. It’s not commonly eaten fresh due to its strong flavour but is often juiced or used in traditional medicine.

Noni is native to Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands. It thrives in tropical regions and is now widespread throughout tropical and subtropical areas, including parts of Australia.

Growing Morinda citrifolia from Seed:

Growing noni from seed requires patience, as germination can be slow and erratic.

Seed Collection and Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for a few days to soften the hard seed coat, which can help speed up germination.

Sowing:

Plant seeds about 1 cm deep in a well-draining, sandy soil mix.
Noni seeds germinate best at warm temperatures, around 25-30°C. To maintain warmth and humidity, cover the pots with a plastic cover or place them in a propagation chamber.

Watering and Care:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Patience is key, as some seeds can take up to a year to sprout.

Transplanting:

Once seedlings reach about 10-15 cm, they can be carefully transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground in a sunny, sheltered location. Noni trees prefer full sun and will tolerate poor soils but grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Ongoing Care:

Once established, noni trees are hardy and can tolerate some drought. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will encourage fruiting. Fertilising is generally unnecessary, but a balanced organic fertiliser can be applied sparingly to encourage growth.

With patience and suitable conditions, you can grow your own noni tree from seed. It will typically begin to bear fruit within 18 months to 2 years under optimal conditions.

PICTURES BY:

ImagePerson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Steve Hurst @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Vengolis, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Commons